Used primarily as an intermediate in the synthesis of sulfa drugs, this compound plays a key role in the development of antimicrobial agents. Its reactive sulfonyl chloride group allows for easy attachment to amines, forming sulfonamide derivatives that are essential in pharmaceutical chemistry. It is also employed in the preparation of dyes and pigments due to its aromatic structure and functional reactivity. In research settings, it serves as a building block for creating novel sulfone-based compounds with potential biological activity.